Water, Water, Everywhere… but not a drop to drink WATERWATER CONSERVATIONCONSERVATION

Swanson, Peter. Water: The Drop of Life. pg. 9 1% 5% Thirst Slight Fever Body is Immobilized Death 12% 10% The Body Without Water

Each person in an African Masai family generally lives on ~ one gallon of water per day. In contrast, each person in a family in Los Angeles uses approximately ~130 gallons of water per day. Swanson, Peter. Water: The Drop of Life. pg. 9

Differences in Annual Water Usage in cubic meters per person North Americans 1,280 Europeans 694 Asians 535 South Americans 311 Africans 186 Barlow, Maude and Tony Clarke. Blue Gold: The fight to Stop the Coproate Theft of the World’s Water. Pg. 56. New Press: New York. 2002

Water Availability Despite the earth’s surface being covered with ~70% water: 97% of the earth’s water is saltwater ~2% of the freshwater is locked up in glaciers, snow, and icebergs ~<1% freshwater remains in ponds, lakes, rivers, and groundwater Swanson, Peter. Water: The Drop of Life. pg. 9

Where is Most of our Water Used?

Showers: 1) Shortening your showers by one or two minutes can save up to 700 gallons a month 2) Turn water off while soaping up 3 ) Install a low-flow showerhead Don’t let the faucet run while: 1) Brushing your teeth; saves ~ 3 gallons/day 2) Shaving 3) Doing dishes Other: 1) Don’t use the toilet as a waste basket; saves ~4-5 gallons per flush 2) Wear clothes multiple times before washing. More water saving tips can be found at: _Solutions/Conservation/